Cambodia

Map of Cambodia

Angkor Wat, built in 1220 AD, as the home of the Khmer kings, who ruled most of Southeast Asia. The temples honor the Hindu god Vishnu. The main temple and a few of the 108 towers are on the Cambodian flag.

Country

Kingdom of Cambodia

Continent

Asia (Southeast, bordering the Gulf of Thailand between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos)

Capital

Phnom Penh

Population

About 16 million, taking into account the high death rate from HIV/AIDS

A river dolphin, the Irrawaddy Dolphin, is an endangered species that lives in the Mekong River.

A few refugees from Iran who arrived at Australia by boat were found to be real refugees but not allowed into Australia. Australia paid Cambodia to take six of these refugees. Four of the refugees have decided to return to Iran.

Concerns

Cambodia is trying to recover from over 25 years of civil wars, including Pol Pot’s genocide of 2 million citizens, as well as past occupations by Vietnam, Japan, and France.

Many Cambodians enter into HUMAN trafficking, with many men forced into fishing by Thai recruiters.

Narcotics-related military corruption is high.

Mission

PC-USA is involved with “Life Project for Rural Cambodians,” a mission initiative that seeks to bring medical care, school supplies, and clean water to communities throughout Cambodia